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What is Diesel Fuel and How Is It Used?

Written on: December 5, 2022

Pitmon is the best for commercial diesel services!

commercial diesel oklahoma The local economy of Southern and Central Oklahoma thrives on a versatile set of industries, such as agriculture, construction, mining, distribution centers, and warehouses.

Industries that rely on diesel fuels trust Pitmon Oil & Gas for consistent and reliable diesel delivery of both on- and off-road diesel.

We provide quality diesel fuel at a competitive price not only to businesses but also to schools and local municipalities. Our large fleet of delivery vehicles allows us to promptly respond to our customers’ needs! We give our customers a customized bulk diesel fuel delivery schedule, fleet fueling services, and diesel fuel tank installation and leasing.

We also offer on-site fueling if that’s what you’re looking for. Our deliveries are planned so that each of your vehicles starts the day with a full tank, making your team more efficient.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with diesel fuel, here is some essential information about it and how they are used.

How are diesel fuels made?

Diesel fuel in the United States is most often distilled from crude oil at petroleum refineries and adheres to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) standards. This type of diesel has 15 parts per million (PPM) or less of sulfur.

The U.S. produced 1.63 billion barrels (68.35 billion gallons) of ULSD in 2021.

Rudolf Diesel invented a compression ignition engine in the 19th century that was more thermal efficient than any other invention of its time. The fuel we now call diesel is named after him.

Are on-road diesel and off-road diesel different from each other?

The only difference between off-road diesel and on-road diesel is their function; all other aspects are identical.

Diesel fuel used for commercial vehicles that drive on public roads, such as trucks, buses and shuttles is called on-road diesel. As a result, the federal excise tax applies to it.

Off-road diesel is a type of fuel that mainly powers big construction equipment, farm vehicles, backhoes, and bulldozers. Since it’s not used for driving on public roads, off-road diesel isn’t subject to the excise tax.

Off-road diesel has a red dye to prevent it from being used for regular vehicles, as this would help drivers avoid the excise tax. On-road diesel is not dyed. If caught using off-road diesel, penalties incur with each offense and are quite expensive. For example, in Oklahoma the penalty is $10 per gallon of fuel or $1,000 total.

How is diesel fuel used?

Diesel fuel is commonly known to power large transport trucks or equipment, but it has many other purposes as well.

When the power goes out, diesel-powered standby generators provide backup electricity to keep lights on and medical equipment operational in many hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutions.

Diesel is a type of fuel used by many government agencies to power school buses, snowplows and other road maintenance vehicles and equipment.

Ready for reliable and responsive diesel fuel services for your business? Contact Pitmon Oil & Gas today to set up a consultation!